Bentley 3½ Liter Sports Saloon, 1936
Bentley R Type
Bentley R Type•
•97 views
Chassis No.: B19FC
Engine No.: H9BY
Estimate: US$100,000 - US$125,000 USD
- 3,669cc Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
- Twin SU carburetors
- Approximately 115bhp at 3,800rpm
- 4-Speed Manual Transmission
- Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
- 4-Wheel Servo Assisted Drum Brakes
- Highly usable pre-war Bentley motorcar
- Elegant 'close coupled' sports saloon
Based on the contemporary Rolls-Royce 20/25hp, the 3.5-Liter Bentley had a slightly shorter wheelbase and employed a tuned (115bhp) twin-SU-carburetor version of the former's overhead-valve six. Add to this already remarkable package an all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox, servo assisted brakes, and the result was a vehicle offering the driver effortless sports car performance in almost absolute silence. 'The Silent Sports Car', as it was swiftly dubbed, had few peers as a tireless long-distance tourer, combining as it did traditional Rolls-Royce refinement with Bentley performance and handling.
The Derby Bentley was, of course, an exclusively coachbuilt automobile. Of the 2,442 manufactured (including the subsequent 4.25-Liter model) almost half were bodied by Park Ward in a limited number of styles. Most of the other great British coachbuilding firms offered designs, many of them unique to the Derby Bentley chassis.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This extremely handsome Sports Saloon epitomizes the elegance and practicality of the Derby Bentley as well as presaging what the company would offer roughly a decade later as the world evolved and a sea-change move to owner driven cars came. In that context it is extremely modern for its day.
For its provenance one need look no further than the original build sheet, documents preserved with the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club in the UK, those confirm that it was originally sold to agents Pass & Joyce for stock on November 30, 1935, and then sold new to Henry Willis, of the Chase, in Hornchurch on the Thames estuary, in Essex. Mr. Willis is recorded as its owner from April 4, 1936. Still wearing a license plate which alludes to its history in the UK, the prefix of 'CXA' confirms it to have been on the road in London when new, and is likely the number it was registered to Willis as new. Its subsequent early history remains to be researched.
Here in Florida, one of the most respected and knowledgeable aficionados of the Rolls-Royce and Bentley marques is Dale Powers, having handled many of these cars over his career. So, it is not surprising to see him connected with this car, owning it roughly 20 years ago having purchased it in California and selling it to its recently deceased past owner John Eriksen of Blair, Nebraska in the early 2000s. When purchased by Powers, the car had undergone a cosmetic restoration to the high standards that are still visible today.
Finished in Mason's black paintwork, this dark hue allows the chrome accessories and trim to contrast well on the exterior and its monotone coloring gives it the low slung and sporting look that you would expect from a Bentley. The interior was also refurbished at that same time, being correctly refinished in period style and in bright red hides which lift its presentation well. The driver and front passenger have comfortable bucket seats with ample leg room and owing to the foot wells to the rear, the clever close coupled bodywork maintains a low roof line. The rear seats benefit from armrests with period stowed ashtrays on each outside rest.
The wood trim has clearly also been redone to a high standard. With a sliding sunroof and opening windshield, despite being a closed car it has a light and airy cabin. In recent times the Bentley has received a fresh tune-up, new black wall tires and period style wheel discs to enhance its presentation.
These cars are a brilliant way to experience pre-war motoring, they have the considerable support of owner's clubs around the world, providing knowledge of maintenance and resources as well as many different categories of driving and show events. They are straightforward to drive with an easy to manage four speed transmission, ample power and road handling capabilities which were praised when new and continue to be to this day. And above all of that you have its heritage of one of the world's great sportscar brands.
